Sibling Sleepovers

The curly-haired, stuffed dog is tucked under her arm. She opens the linen closet door a crack. Out roll two sleeping bags. With her favorite quilt making a train behind her, she has all she needs for the weekly sleepover. A sibling sleepover.

After Mama and Daddy have date night, the sleepovers begin. Everyone has enjoyed a movie, stayed up late. So now the children all pile in together or pair up. Brothers and sisters staying up late together, giggling. Building memories.

Many families invite best friends for sleepovers. Why not have fun with siblings the same way?Built in best friends.

Half the time it’s a half sleepover. Little ones get weepy or one just needs his own bed. But that’s enough for fun. And better for the sleeping.

We’ve found that sleepovers work best on a Friday night. Because sleepovers lead to sleeping in and sleeping in lends itself to lazy Saturday pancakes and coffee.

So if you’ve always longed for those traveling memories – the ones where everyone is piled up together in a tent or a hotel room – just do it now. At home. Set up a simple camp out in the backyard. Or just let the children take some blankets out and star gaze. When the big tree in our backyard was struck by lightening and had to be cut down, we made a camp fire ring from its logs. Just for pretending. It’s all about building memories. Building relationships.

Saturday sack out.But that makes children cranky and worn out from staying up late, you say? Believe it or not, there are benefits for mom and dad.Saturdays are full for families. Make a habit of early bed time on Saturday nights. In our house, all children go to bed one hour early that night. Benefits:

a good night’s rest for Sunday morning

mom and dad can have an at-home date night (what? two date nights in a row?More ideas here)

I encourage you to make a habit of simple sibling sleepovers. Adjust these ideas to fit your family. Have fun right where you are – inside or outside – and build the best friendships at home. Just don’t forget the s’mores!

“Where you are right now is God’s place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there.” 1 Corinthians 7:17 The Message

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About Hodgepodgemom

Tricia faces a daily dose of chaos homeschooling five children. The biggest lesson she’s learned? At the end of the day – when the dishes are put away and the children are tucked in bed – truly what matters is each child’s relationship with the Lord. Raising children is a God-given privilege and, folks, the time is short.

My sisters and I called it “sister night.” (Convenient when you have no brothers.) I’m a little embarrassed to say that when we are all together, we still do it, and 2 of us are in our 40’s. Only we don’t sleep over…we just eat, wach movies, and act silly. Sometimes in our pajamas. =)